Russia to Limit Foreigner Stays to 90 Days Annually
Russian lawmakers propose capping annual foreign stays at 90 days, adding biometric registration and a digital employer-employee roster with strict compliance measures.
Russia has recently unveiled—via its TASS news agency—a draft law tightening control over how long foreign nationals may reside on its territory.
The legislation introduces sweeping measures, including a 90-day annual stay cap for visitors, mandatory biometric enrolment at entry, and the creation of a digital register of approved foreign employers and workers.
Annual stay cap slashed to 90 days
A centrepiece of the draft is a reduction in the maximum length of time foreign visitors may spend in Russia each calendar year. It trims the allowable stay from the current 90 days in any six-month period to 90 days in a single calendar year. Both tourists and those travelling for work or family reasons are covered.
Foreigners to undergo biometric registration on arrival
Another key element is the requirement for all foreign visitors to submit to biometric registration—fingerprinting and photographing—at the point of entry. Data will be collected through streamlined procedures at Russian Interior Ministry offices abroad. The move is designed to sharpen border security while easing administrative formalities for visitors from day one on Russian soil.
Digital roster for compliant foreign employers and workers
The draft law also calls for a centralised digital registry listing employers and foreign employees authorised to work legally in Russia. The system is intended to help Russian firms verify the legal status of foreign hires and curb illegal employment.
Penalties for non-compliance
Those who breach the new rules risk falling under a “controlled stay” regime that can bar entry or lead to expulsion if authorities deem it necessary.
Foreigners will also be asked to sign a loyalty agreement pledging to abide by the provisions, with infringements subject to fines, temporary entry bans or expulsion ordered by the courts or competent authorities.
It is important to note that these measures are not yet in force; the draft still requires approval and adoption by the Russian parliament.
Spécialiste de la veille réglementaire et experte en contenus destinations, elle analyse quotidiennement l’évolution des formalités d’entrée pour traduire la complexité administrative en guides pratiques. Son rôle combine expertise terrain et précision technique afin de garantir la fiabilité des informations délivrées aux voyageurs.
